2012 Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200/ 2011 Norge GT 8V

Our resident road warrior has earned his stripes covering the rally circuit, from riding the Black Hills of Sturgis to cruising Main Street in Daytona Beach. Whether it's chopped, bobbed, or bored, metric to 'Merican, he rides 'em all.

The 2012 Stelvio features a massive fuel cell capable of holding 8.4 gallons to go along with a a bigger windscreen and a re-shaped saddle so riders will be more comfortable when logging those extra miles the big tank allows for. The 2012 Stelvio NTX No Limits version (below) comes with a bunch of extra guards, Ber rims and Alpina spokes.

Moto Guzzi lends more long-range credence to its big adventure bike, the 2012 Stelvio, by bumping up its fuel cell to a massive 8.4 gallons and equipping it with a bigger windscreen. Stylistically, it continues to feature a dual front headlight assembly, but the 2012 Stelvio’s top fairing, windshield and half-fairing with integrated turn signals are all-new in an attempt to give the styling a more aggressive nature. The Stelvio’s larger fuel cell is incorporated into the lightweight fairing and its lines have been rounded off. Comfort is also a premium for motorcycles where riders will be spending long stretches in the saddle. Moto Guzzi addresses this in the 2012 Stelvio 1200 with a re-shaped seat and new saddle lining. The new Stelvio’s cockpit has also been revamped with new graphs for its on-board control panel and a larger fuel indicator.

The 2012 version retains its 90-degree four-stroke V-Twin. The 1151cc mill has revised electronic controls in addition to its timing and cooling systems. Throttle response and midrange power is claimed to receive a boost from a new integrated ignition and injection ECU. Moto Guzzi reports power numbers at 76.7 lb-ft (104 Nm) at 5500 rpm and peak horsepower at 102.

For 2012, the Stelvio will also be offered in a NTX No Limits version which comes with extra guards on the oil sump, engine, and cylinders in addition to full-cover handguards. The wheels on the NTX are also upgraded to Ber rims with Alpina spokes completed by new Continental ABS, a feature that comes on both Stelvio versions.

2011 Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V

The 2011 Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V continues to source a transverse-mounted, 1151cc V-Twin for power. The 2011 version of the mill has received the same tweaks as the Stelvio’s – revamped electronic controls, timing and cooling systems, new integrated ignition and injection ECU for claimed better throttle response and more midrange. The powerplant does feature a more compact crankcase and cylinder fins tapered towards the direction of travel. The four-valve arrangement is claimed to produce a 20% higher power curve compared to the two-valve version.

The 2011 Norge GT 8V will benefit from a new thermostat-controlled electric fan for the oil radiator installed in the lower fairing. The size of its muffler has also been increased to make it quieter and more compatible with ever-tightening noise emission standards.

Due to the new architecture of the engine, the 2011 Norge GT 8V’s fairing has been re-designed. The side panels are more integrated into the fuel tank and the windscreen is now electronically adjustable. The changes aim to disperse more heat from the engine while improving thermal insulation. Riders are also said to be given more protection from buffeting.

The 2011 Norge’s saddle is 31.89 inches in height and has been outfitted with a wider, more padded seat. The handlebar position has been lowered and retracted slightly while its instrument panel has been moved to make it easier for riders to read.

Small features like a 12 Volt external power socket, a storage compartment below the saddle, heated hand-grips, a new side and central stand and integrated passenger grab handles add to the long list of revisions to the 2011 Norge.